Three weeks ago, Fianna Fail's three leading ladies were steeling themselves for their party's annihilation at the polls. But privately, each of them desperately hoped and believed that they would be spared the electorate's wrath and somehow cling on to their seats.

What they had in common was what they thought would save them: a high national profile, solid political pedigrees and a band of loyal supporters back in their constituencies who would not abandon them.

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